Chapter 14

Pepperony

That night, Pepper managed to get some sleep, however little it was. Tony held her close as she closed her eyes, trying to make her feel as safe and protected as possible, but he himself couldn't fall asleep no matter how much he knew he should. He had Jarvis input a new, much more advanced security perimeter on Abby's room, just in case something happened. He couldn't let himself think that way though, he had to find him, there was no other option.

The next morning, Pepper woke up alone in the bed, Tony's side cold, telling her he had been gone for a while. She made her way to Abby's room and saw she wasn't there, panic arising. She calmed herself to rush downstairs, relieved to see Tony at the table giving Abby her breakfast.

''Hey, you alright?'' Tony asked, seeing the heavy breath she took.

Pepper nodded. ''Yeah, I'm fine.'' she walked over to the coffee machine, pouring herself a cup. ''How long have you been awake?''

''Didn't sleep,'' he told her casually, his eyes focusing on the spoonful of food he was feeding Abby. ''Why is she so messy when I feed her?''

Pepper took a wipe and cleaned Abby's giggling mouth. ''You didn't sleep at all?''

Tony shook his head. ''Nope.'' He knew Pepper was going to fixate on that detail, so he changed the subject. ''Listen, she's been copying a few sounds, I almost got her to say my name.'' he looked back to Abby. ''Da-''

Abby clapped her hands and repeated the noise. ''Da! Da!''

Pepper smiled and sat down next to them, the topic of Tony's sleep now forgotten.

''Ma-''

''Ma, ma, ma.''

Tony praised her with a kiss and clapped his hands, looking to Pepper. ''She's gonna be talking in no time.''

Pepper knew what Tony was doing. He was distracting himself. He didn't want to think his family was in danger. He didn't want Pepper to worry about things or him, he wanted to make everything better, and although he was freaking out inside, while he was around Pepper and Abby, he would put on a relaxed, happy face so as to not worry them. But Pepper knew him better than anyone, even better than he thought, and the fact that she could see him trying to cover up his worry only made her realize how serious this was.

The day went on as usual, there was nothing else they could do, but around midday, the phone rang. They were in the living room playing with Abby and her toys on he floor, and Pepper just stared back at Tony looking for answers. She couldn't pick the phone up, instead she slid closer to Abby as Tony reached over to the phone. He knew who to expect, and he was right.

''Tony? Is that you?'' Hammer asked excitedly. ''Oh my, it's been so long.''

''Not long enough.'' Tony muttered.

''Yeah, okay, I guess we did get off on a bad note, but still, that's no way to greet an old friend.''

Tony held his hand over the speaker. ''Jarvis, trace.'' he ordered.

''So how have you been Tony?'' Hammer asked happily. ''How's Iron Man doing?''

''Iron Man? Oh, he's a little busy right now, I'll let him know you called.''

Pepper grabbed her phone and called Rhodey, whispering for him to come over. She knew Tony would want to go after him this time, and now they would have a trace on his cell.

''Da...da!'' Abby clapped, trying to get her dad's attention.

Hammer heard. ''Is that little Abby I hear?' he asked, Tony's jaw clenching. ''Oh, isn't that precious. I sure would like to meet her, I'm told she's quite adorable.''

Tony stood up, walking into the kitchen. ''Listen, you come anywhere near my family, I'll...''

Hammer laughed at Tony's pause. ''You'll what? Come on, I already know what you're going to say, so say it.''

''You really have no idea what you're doing Hammer.'' Tony ran his hand through his hair. ''Calling my home, harassing my wife, talking about my family...bad move.''

''Oh I know what I'm doing Tony, but what about you?'' he asked. ''How are you gonna fix this one? You're the hero, aren't you? You're supposed to save the day.'' Tony's hand was curled up into a fist as Hammer spoke, his rage building. ''Oh, that's right, you can't.''

The phone went dead then, and Tony wondered why Hammer bothered calling in the first place. There were no threats, really, and he didn't have anything productive to say. It was as if he was calling just so Tony would hear that it was really him, that he was really out and it wasn't a bad dream. Pepper rushed into the kitchen when she heard the phone click back into the dock, Abby in her arms as she was too scared to leave her alone for even a second.

''Tony...'' she looked at him worriedly.

She looked so scared, he hated seeing her this way. The way she clung to Abby as if it were going to be for the last time, he couldn't stand it. His hand went to her shoulder as he gave her a reassuring smile.

''It's gonna be okay-'

''No,'' she cut in. ''Stop saying that. I can handle whatever you're going to tell me.''

Tony shook his head. ''I'm going to fix this Pepper.''

''Talk to me,'' her hand went to his face. ''Please, just talk to me.''

Tony took in the feeling of her hand cupping his face, the warmth and the comfort. He didn't want to tell her that he didn't know what to do, and he didn't want to tell her that he was going to leave, going to do whatever it took to find Hammer. He needed to get in his suit and track him down, but he hated leaving her at any time, but this was worse.

''I have to...'' he gave her a look, and she knew. ''I don't want to leave you, but if I don't go, he's going to win this.''

Pepper took a few deep breaths. ''Can't the police help?''

Tony shook his head. ''They wouldn't know where to start. It's easier if I do this myself.''

''No, Tony, not by yourself.''

''I want Rhodey here with you, I don't want you here alone.''

''I don't want a babysitter.'' she told him. ''I want you to be safe.''

''I'm not going to be able to focus knowing you're here alone.''

Pepper looked down at Abby and kissed her forehead. ''I wish this would all just go away.''

Tony looked at her sadly, hating himself for not being able to take away her pain or her worry. It wasn't him causing it this time, and he was going to find the man who was, and when he did, he would need Rhodey there in case he did the unthinkable.

Tony was getting ready that afternoon, planning to meet up with Rhodey as they were leaving. He had the location of Hammer's call in his HUD and he would fill Rhodey in on everything on the way. Rhodey had a small team lined up if they needed backup, but Tony assured him that he wouldn't put them in danger like that, although Rhodey knew he could always count on his team.

Pepper and Abby were in the workshop with him, going over the list Pepper always made him double check. Happy would be here shortly after Tony left, staying at the house until he got back. Pepper hated the fact she had to be babysat, as she put it, but in all honesty, she would feel safer with Happy here and it made Tony focus on what he had to do.

''Da!'' Abby looked over to Tony.

He walked over and took her in his arms, looking at her adoringly. If anything happened to her, he would never forgive himself, he wouldn't be able to live. She was his world, and he would die before any harm came to her.

''You're gonna be good for mommy, aren't you?'' he smiled, walking around with her as Pepper watched. ''You're gonna go to sleep, and when you wake up I'm gonna be right there with you.''

Pepper's heart ached at hearing his words, because she prayed that he would in fact be there when she woke up. She always waited for him to come home, but this time she wouldn't be waiting, she would be hoping.

A few moments later Tony handed Abby back to Pepper as he suited up, walking back over to his two girls. Pepper pressed her lips to his for a few moments, enjoying every moment and memorizing the feel of his lips on hers before he left. Tony hated having to leave, but he was doing this for them. He kissed Abby on her forehead and whispered a few words to her before looking back up to Pepper.

''I will be back.'' he assured her. ''I love you.''

Pepper was brave, and she held in her tears. ''I love you too.''

In a matter of minutes, he was gone. Pepper and Abby stood in the empty workshop, looking around sadly. Abby knew her dad was gone, she was growing familiar with their routine of coming down her and saying goodbye for the night. It was lonely and silent in the house, but Pepper knew she had to endure this before it got better, which it would. It had to. They stayed in the workshop for a while longer, Pepper assuring herself he would be okay, accepting he was gone now, she wouldn't see him until he came home again.

''Mrs. Stark, Mr. Hogan is coming through the main gate.'' Jarvis informed her as she walked upstairs.

''Thank you Jarvis.''

Pepper walked into the kitchen and pressed the button to brew a pot of coffee for her and Happy before the doorbell rang. Due to the stepped up security, Pepper couldn't tell Jarvis to open the door anymore, although it was becoming a hassle since only Rhodey or Happy happened to visit. Abby clung to her mother's shirt as they walked to the door, Pepper opening it automatically without looking at who it was, knowing it would be Happy. But it wasn't.

''Pepper,'' Justin smiled excitedly. ''It's been too long.''

Pepper stared back in complete horror as two other men followed in behind him, closing the door. They were inside her house, Justin Hammer was inside her house. She didn't know what to say as he walked into their living room, commenting on the furniture and expressing his desire he once had to be an interior designer. He was acting like nothing happened between them, but that was even more frightening than if he were threatening her. She didn't know when he would snap, what he would do and how he would do it.

She wished Tony would have forgotten something and had to come home, but that stupid list was flawless, he would never forget anything thanks to her organization. The man gestured for her to follow Hammer into the living room, and because Abby was in her arms, she followed their instructions without hesitation.

''So, this is little Abby!'' Hammer smiled. ''Oh, she is just gorgeous. May I?'' he held his hands out.

Pepper was completely speechless that he would think she was going to hand her daughter over to him, but he sat down next to her and slowly pulled Abby into his arms. Pepper let her go out of fear of what he would do if she didn't, and it was hard to see her in his arms.

''Relax, I've held a baby before.'' he laughed. ''She's a keeper, Pepper.'' Abby looked at him with curiosity, wondering who this man was and why she had never seen him before. In a matter of moments, he handed her back to Pepper and she took her in her arms as if she hadn't held her in years.

''What did you to Happy?'' she finally spoke.

Hammer chuckled. ''I didn't touch Mr. Hogan. I just...borrowed his vehicle.''

''He's going to be here any minute.'' Pepper warned.

''Oh, that's right, thank you for the reminder.'' Hammer turned to the other men. ''Is the car here?'' The man nodded. ''Excellent. Pepper, if you don't mind?''

Pepper obliged for Abby's sake. She would have put up a fight if she was on her own, but she wasn't going to put her daughter in danger, not for anything. She stood up, and Hammer held his hand out.

''Cell phone.'' he told her, and Pepper handed it to him with a glare. ''Thank you Miss Potts.''

''Mrs. Stark.'' she corrected.

''Oh, that's right, forgive me, I've been away for a while.'' he told her with a slight tone of frustration.

He instructed her to walk outside, but she knew it was freezing out there. ''I need to get a coat.''

''I think you'll be okay.'' he shook his head.

''Not for me, for my daughter.'' she told him firmly. ''She'll get a cold.''

Hammer sighed, relenting. ''Fine. Stan, make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.''

Pepper walked upstairs, Stan following her and watching her every move. She grabbed a coat and wrapped it around Abby, sitting her on the dressing table to do so. Stan watched to make sure she didn't do anything silly, and once she was finished, she walked out of the room. Next to the light switch in Abby's room was a silent security button, and as she flicked the lights off, she pressed the button as well, Stan didn't even notice.

Tony put it there because he always told her if something happened, go up to Abby's room and sit in there with her until he got there, so he installed a panic button. The silent alarm activated Jarvis to alert Tony wherever he was through his HUD and inform him of what was happening in the house, showing security footage.

''Okay,'' Hammer smiled as Pepper and Abby came back down the stairs. ''Off we go.''

Pepper followed him out to the car, a different one. It wasn't Happy's, that would be too easy to track. Instead it was a luxurious limo, driven by Stan as the other man sat in with him. In the limo, Hammer, Pepper and Abby were to sit and drive to an unknown location. Hammer seemed particularly excited, but Pepper was looking back at the house wondering if this was the last time she would see it. She wanted Abby to be safe, and although she didn't think Hammer would hurt the baby girl, she would never trust him. Abby sat in her mother's lap, looking over at Hammer who was pulling faces at her for fun, and Pepper dreaded whatever was about to happen.

''Oh, don't look so glum Pepper,'' Hammer groaned. ''I told you I'd see you again.''

''Where are you taking us?''

Hammer's eyes widened with excitement. ''Oh, that's the best part, I can't tell you that. It would ruin the fun. No, no, I'm going to enjoy every moment of this.''

Pepper's heart beat faster, her stomach churning with worry. She wanted Tony, she was so close to breaking down, but the only thing holding her together was the little girl in her arms and the fact that she wasn't going to let anything happen to her.

''It should be just about an hour away, give or take-''

Tony was cut off explaining things to Rhodey by Jarvis putting an alert through his HUD, right in Tony's view. It was flashing red, and it didn't look good.

''Sir, the silent alarm has been activated.''

Tony slowed down, putting his hand up for Rhodey to stop as well.

''What's going on?''

''It appears that Mrs. Stark has activated the alarm after an apparent intrusion, sir.'' Jarvis informed. ''Facial recognition suggests it is Justin Hammer along with a few unknown men.''

Tony could have sworn his heart stopped completely. Everything went silent, he couldn't see straight and he was struggling for air.

''What's going on man?'' Rhodey asked. ''Tony!''

Tony then came to life again with worry. ''How the hell did he get in?'' he yelled.

''They arrived in Mr. Hogans car sir, security recognized registration and let him through.''

''No, this isn't happening.'' he told himself. He was physically shaking, a mixture of anger and worry.

''Tony, what is going on?''

Tony turned to Rhodey. ''Hammer's at the house.''

''Sir, if I may, Mr. Hammer is no longer at the house. He departed just now with Mrs. Stark and Miss Abigail.''

Tony definitely felt his heart stop this time. His world stopped spinning, everything became blurry. Nothing was real, nothing made sense. For a whole ten seconds, he was dead.

''Tony!'' Rhodey yelled. ''Hammer's at the house?''

''He's got Pepper, and Abby...'' Tony spoke softly. ''Son of a bitch!'' he yelled. ''Jarvis track the car they're in, give me an ETA and power up all ammunition.''

Rhodey followed as Tony turned around and began flying in the opposite direction.

''Tony, just calm down-''

''Calm down!? I'm going to kill Justin Hammer. He's a dead man!''

''Going off on a rampage is not going to help Pepper or Abby! You need to stay sane!''

Tony remained quiet as they flew through the air, but he broke his silence. ''If anything happens to them...''

''Hey, don't think like that. We're going to get them back, we are. I promise.''

Tony didn't respond, instead he remained silent. All he could think about was not only twenty minutes ago, when he told Pepper her loved her and kissed her, said goodbye to Abby, he wished he had stayed. There was no point living without them, if anything happened, there was no more Tony Stark. Tony Stark was with his wife and daughter. Without them, he was nothing. He was non-existent.

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